From New York to Hawaii, weekend athletes and government officials are taking part in a battle that goes beyond the fight for court space.
Charlie Dulik and Michael Nicholas, tennis enthusiasts in Brooklyn, have lately been consumed by another racquet sport: pickleball.
They have no interest in joining those who have taken up the game in recent years. Rather, they have been following pickleball’s increasing popularity with a mixture of disbelief and outrage.
Mr. Dulik, a tenant organizer, and Mr. Nicholas, an urban planner, are the founders of Club Leftist Tennis, a Substack newsletter that covers their favorite sport through a progressive lens. In a recently published manifesto, “Against Pickleball,” they called for tennis players to “oppose the gangrenous spread of pickleball at every turn.”
Mr. Dulik, 27, and Mr. Nicholas, 28, adopted a semisatirical tone in their essay. But they are serious about their disdain for pickleball, a combination of badminton, Ping-Pong and tennis played with a small paddle and a hard plastic ball. Indeed, the two are participants in a cultural battle now playing out from New York to Hawaii, as pickleball players seek places to play and tennis players defend their ground.
When officials in Asheville, N.C., submitted plans to convert the three tennis courts in Murphy-Oakley Park into eight pickleball courts, tennis players rebelled. In Arizona, there was so much bad blood between the two factions that a law firm provided guidance to homeowners’ associations on how to avoid lawsuits. Tennis players in Hawaii complained that the organizers of the Pacific Rim Pickleball Cup had created a potential safety hazard on the courts because of the “gooey adhesive” they had left behind after they laid out pickleball lines with yellow tape.
When pickleball players in Exeter, N.H., petitioned to convert three of the town’s eight public tennis courts, tensions flared at a town meeting in what one resident called “The Great Tennis v. Pickleball War of 2022.” Martina Navratilova, the winner of 59 Grand Slam tennis titles, weighed in on the kerfuffle in Exeter: “I say if pickleball is that popular let them build their own courts,” she said on Twitter.
Tennis advocates have expressed irritation at the spate of reports chronicling the sport’s rise. “Is the Next Great Pastime Pickleball?” New York magazine asked, shortly before an NPR article called it “America’s fastest-growing sport.” The New Yorker weighed in with a story titled “Can Pickleball Save America?”, and The New York Times asked in a headline: “Why Is Pickleball So Popular?”
Mr. Dulik bemoaned the media reception. “It’s always the exact same phrases: ‘Pickleball is much more accessible and fun than tennis’; ‘Pickleball is the fastest growing sport,’” he said. “I’m cringing at being sold something so blatantly.”
Read more —->
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/21/style/pickleball-tennis-courts.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
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MLTC Newsletter 14 Nov 22 – Club Champs Results
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobRuby Quigley became our latest Open Ladies Singles Champion when she defeated Maria Nicol 6-4 6-4 before a big crowd last Saturday. They both received prize money for their efforts which could be the first of many paydays for these promising juniors. Both girls are a credit to their parents and coaches as they are both great sports and very humble. Well done and good luck for your futures in this great sport.
Next match was the Open Ladies Doubles Final which had a wealth of Wimbledon experience amongst our four ladies. Bryanne Crabb (nee Stewart) was a doubles semi finalist at Wimbledon with Sam Stosur. Lisa Green made the 2nd round in Ladies Doubles. Caroline Bhaguandas played qualifying rounds for Wimbledon and was no 1 British Junior for 5 years. Nicola Bray has been a spectator at Wimbledon several times and she did not need any additional Wimbledon experience as she used her Manly knowledge to combine well with Bryanne to win the final 6-2 6-1.
Julia Gunn was on hand to present the Ladies Singles Trophy as Julia is a 4-time Ladies Singles and 7-time Doubles Champion at Manly as well as winning umpteen Mixed Titles.
The Open Mixed Doubles was the last match to be played and Maria combined with her coach Andrew Riminton to defeat Ruby and Bede 6-1 6-2.
Earlier in the day Bede Kirwan defeated James Graham 6-2 6-1 in an entertaining A Grade Mens Singles Final. Bede picked up prize money for his efforts in winning the A Grade Singles and being runner up in the Open Mixed Final. This could be the first of many paydays for Bede also.
On Sunday Catherine Williams won her second title of 2022 when she combined with myself, Denis Crowley to defeat Melinda Gray and Daniel Rodrigues In a closely fought A Mixed Doubles Final 7-6 6-3. Daniel was proudly flying the Brazilian Flag as the only Brazilian to reach a final in our tournament.
Following on Sunday, Bosko and Andrew Riminton won their Open Mens Doubles semi final against Dan Glynn and Vincent L’Heure, progressing through to the final. However, the Open Mens Doubles Final was eventually won by Cameron Green and Todd Maloney who defeated Bosko and Andrew in an epic match 5-7 6-3 6-3. Todd celebrated by taking everyone to play barefoot bowls which may be a sign of things to come for Todd in his senior years by playing lawn bowls??
The A Grade Mens Doubles is still to be played next Sunday.
Thanks to everyone who played in our championships (photos of this weekend’s winners/finalists below and full results attached) – we were blessed by good weather this year. We play our Combined Age Events in February when us oldies have a chance of winning without our promising juniors being able to enter.
Thanks for everyone who attended our AGM last Saturday. Virginia will send out the minutes and additional info later this week.
Quick reminder – Xmas Party – Sat 3 Dec – we hope to see you there.
Best wishes,
Denis Crowley
MLTC Club Captain
www.manlylawn.com.au
Club Championships: Men’s Champion 2022
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobMLTC Notice of AGM 2022
/in Club News /by RobThe Annual General Meeting of Manly Tennis Club will be held on Saturday 12 November at 3.30pm at the Clubhouse.
Please see attached the Annual Report.
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
MLTC Newsletter 7Nov22 Club Champs, AGM and Xmas Party
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobA big crowd was in attendance last Saturday to see Cameron Green defeat Sean White in a tough match 6-3 7-5 in the Men’s Open Final. Cameron has now won back to back titles but Sean played a great match and was cheered on by his supporters. It was good to see the club packed out for such a worthy final.
The trophy was again presented by 7-time winner, Ken Grey (please see photo below). Also in the crowd was our own Tennis Whisperer and the oldest player ever to win the Men’s Singles – Rob Muir who was in his early sixties when he won the title.
Finals Next Weekend
We will have our youngest Ladies Open Singles Champion next Saturday when our two 14 year old girls – Ruby Quigley and Maria Nicol face off. They both won their semi finals last Saturday in straight sets.
Ruby and Maria will meet again in the Open Mixed Final at 5pm when Ruby will partner 13 year old Bede Kirwan and Maria will play with Andrew RIminton. Bede plays in the A Grade Mens Final at 1130am against James Graham aka The Road Runner. James will run all day so this should be a close match.
Schedule for Saturday 12th November
11.30am – MEN’S A SINGLES FINAL – Bede Kirwan v James Graham
2.00pm – LADIES OPEN SINGLES FINAL – Ruby Quigley v Maria Nicol
4.00pm – LADIES OPEN DOUBLES FINAL – Lisa Green and Caroline Bhaguandas v Nicola Bray and Bryanne Stewart
5.00pm – MIXED OPEN DOUBLES FINAL – Maria Nicol and Andrew Riminton v Ruby Quigley & Bede Kirwan
Hopefully the Mens Open Doubles Final will be at noon on Sunday 13th Nov.
The A Mixed Doubles Final is Sunday at 9AM.
Full results and next week’s schedule attached.
AGM – 3.30pm Saturday 12th November
The AGM is at 3.30pm next Saturday at the club so we need a big crowd to watch the matches and attend our AGM.
A free drink is available to every full member who attends the AGM. See you there.
XMAS PARTY – Saturday 3rd December
We’d love you to join us for a fun evening at the MLTC Christmas Party on Sat 3rd December. Only $25 for members and $40 for guests – includes grazing platter and a free drink on arrival! Payment can be made via bank transfer – BSB 062197 Account number 1000 0562, Ref: Your name and Xmas. Please email Virginia at [email protected] to help us finalise numbers if you’d like to come and haven’t yet given your name to Michelle or Virginia.
Best wishes,
Denis Crowley
MLTC Club Captain
www.manlylawn.com.au
MLTC Christmas Party 3 Dec 2022
/in Club News /by RobPlease keep 3rd December free for our Christmas Party. There will be food, music and drinks!
Time: 6.30pm till late.
Place: Tennis Club
Cost: $25 members, $40 guests.
Please pay by 18 Nov. Include your name and xmas.
MLTC BSB: 062-197
Account: 1000 0562
Reminder AGM 12 Nov at 3.30pm
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
MLTC Newsletter 31Oct22- Club Champs Results and Schedule
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobThe Club Championships are down to the final 2 weeks now with the Mens Singles and Doubles Finals being played next Saturday 5th November. Cameron Green will play Sean White in the Mens Singles Final at 3PM. Then the Mens Doubles Final will be at 5PM .
A BARBECUE WILL BE HELD AFTER THE MENS SINGLES FINAL.
The Ladies Semi Finals will be played at 1.30PM between Emily Peake and Ruby Quigley and at 4PM Maria Quigley will play Tiffany Leung.
The Ladies Singles Final and Ladies Doubles Final will be played on November 12 when our AGM will be held at 3.30PM in the clubhouse. A free drink for all those who attend!
Yesterday Ruby and Bede saved several match points in their Mixed Doubles win to progress to the Semi Final. Maria is already in the final with her partner Andrew Riminton. A great future is ahead for these players.
Matthew Curtis our other junior is attending a training academy on The Gold Coast for a few months so will return a much improved player.
Milton is restocking the bar this week and Jon Corney is preparing the food so Manly Lawn Tennis Club is the place to be on November 5. Plenty of Social Courts available all day.
Denis Crowley
MLTC Club Captain
www.manlylawn.com.au
THE FULL DRAW AND RESULTS ATTACHED.
MLTC Newsletter – Club Champs Results & Schedule
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobThe Club Championships are down to the semi finals stage next weekend with the bulk of the matches being on Sunday. This suits many of the players this weekend.
The top seeds have advanced in both Ladies and Mens singles and doubles so plenty of top tennis will be on display this weekend.
The full results from last weekend and next weeks draw are attached.
Ray Dummett is celebrating his 70Th birthday this week so everyone wishes him a great 70th . In fact most people I spoke to were amazed he was 70! Several thought he was 75 and one even thought 80! But seriously Ray has been a great stalwart of the club for many years and always is ready to help out in any situation. He is well liked by everyone (well almost everyone) and all the ladies will line up at his party to give him a big hug and kiss for his birthday. Have a great party Ray.
PLENTY OF SOCIAL COURTS AVAILABLE ALL DAY THIS SATURDAY.
Best wishes,
Denis Crowley
MLTC Club Captain
www.manlylawn.com.au
Pickleball Is Expanding. Tennis Is Mad | NYT
/in Goss, News /by RobFrom New York to Hawaii, weekend athletes and government officials are taking part in a battle that goes beyond the fight for court space.
Charlie Dulik and Michael Nicholas, tennis enthusiasts in Brooklyn, have lately been consumed by another racquet sport: pickleball.
They have no interest in joining those who have taken up the game in recent years. Rather, they have been following pickleball’s increasing popularity with a mixture of disbelief and outrage.
Mr. Dulik, a tenant organizer, and Mr. Nicholas, an urban planner, are the founders of Club Leftist Tennis, a Substack newsletter that covers their favorite sport through a progressive lens. In a recently published manifesto, “Against Pickleball,” they called for tennis players to “oppose the gangrenous spread of pickleball at every turn.”
Mr. Dulik, 27, and Mr. Nicholas, 28, adopted a semisatirical tone in their essay. But they are serious about their disdain for pickleball, a combination of badminton, Ping-Pong and tennis played with a small paddle and a hard plastic ball. Indeed, the two are participants in a cultural battle now playing out from New York to Hawaii, as pickleball players seek places to play and tennis players defend their ground.
When officials in Asheville, N.C., submitted plans to convert the three tennis courts in Murphy-Oakley Park into eight pickleball courts, tennis players rebelled. In Arizona, there was so much bad blood between the two factions that a law firm provided guidance to homeowners’ associations on how to avoid lawsuits. Tennis players in Hawaii complained that the organizers of the Pacific Rim Pickleball Cup had created a potential safety hazard on the courts because of the “gooey adhesive” they had left behind after they laid out pickleball lines with yellow tape.
When pickleball players in Exeter, N.H., petitioned to convert three of the town’s eight public tennis courts, tensions flared at a town meeting in what one resident called “The Great Tennis v. Pickleball War of 2022.” Martina Navratilova, the winner of 59 Grand Slam tennis titles, weighed in on the kerfuffle in Exeter: “I say if pickleball is that popular let them build their own courts,” she said on Twitter.
Tennis advocates have expressed irritation at the spate of reports chronicling the sport’s rise. “Is the Next Great Pastime Pickleball?” New York magazine asked, shortly before an NPR article called it “America’s fastest-growing sport.” The New Yorker weighed in with a story titled “Can Pickleball Save America?”, and The New York Times asked in a headline: “Why Is Pickleball So Popular?”
Mr. Dulik bemoaned the media reception. “It’s always the exact same phrases: ‘Pickleball is much more accessible and fun than tennis’; ‘Pickleball is the fastest growing sport,’” he said. “I’m cringing at being sold something so blatantly.”
Read more —->
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/21/style/pickleball-tennis-courts.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
MLTC Newsletter 17Oct22
/in Club News /by RobWe were very fortunate to have some lovely sunny days this weekend to get the 2022 Club Championships underway.
Two events are already complete. Congratulations to the A singles winner – Michelle Stevens and runner up Lindy Meakins. Further congratulations to the A ladies doubles winners Catherine Williams & Kate Platter, along with runners up Lindy Meakins and Suellen Taylor – pictured with all the ladies who participated.
With so many entries this year, there’s another big weekend of matches ahead so we are praying that the weather is kind to our schedule. Due to the match numbers and player availability, we need to use one social court at 11.45am. Our apologies for any inconvenience – we hope this will be the only week that will need to happen (fingers crossed for the weather).
Please arrive at least 15 mins early before your match start time. If courts are free, Denis will try to get you underway. Court numbers will be allocated on the day so please check with Denis on arrival.
Click here to see the draws & results from this weekend.
Click here to see next week’s schedule.
Please contact Denis with any questions regarding Club Champs.
We’d also like to say a HUGE thank you to Denis for putting in so many hours to try to accommodate the many requests for specific times/days. It’s a massive undertaking to do this with so many entries (and often has a knock on effect for many other matches). If the weather is kind this weekend, we should be through the bulk of the tournament.
AGM – The AGM will be on Saturday 12th November and official paperwork will come out this week. Please keep an eye on your inbox.
Bar News
Best Wishes
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
MLTC Newsletter – 29 Sept 2022
/in Club News /by RobEntries are now open for our Club Championships online.
Dates are October 15, 16, 22 ,23, 29, 30 and Finals on November 5
A maximum of 3 events per person so we can finish on time.
If you enter 3 events you may have to play up to 6 sets in a day so be warned.
If you cannot play when drawn you will need to play midweek if your opponent agrees.
Let me know on your entry form any dates you cannot play. Any members not paid up will not be able to play or book online courts.
Entries close October 9
Best wishes,
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
MTC Night Competitions Term 4
/in Tennis Centre /by RobMTC Night Competitions
Entries for Term 4 Close 11 October.
Enrolments are now open online for Term 4 comps.
Entries close October 11 for ALL competitions.
Night Competitions start:
Reserve players always welcome. For more information, please contact or email Scott.
Sign up on the web links above.
Scott Blackburn
MTC Tennis Director & Head Pro
MTC Ladies Competition Term 4
/in Tennis Centre /by RobMTC Ladies Competition
Entries for Term 4 Close 11 October.
Enrolments are now open online for Term 4 comps.
Entries close October 11 for ALL competitions.
Ladies Competitions start:
Reserve players always welcome. For more information, please contact or email Scott.
Sign up on the web links above.
Scott Blackburn
MTC Tennis Director & Head Pro